When Should You Choose a Square Stern Canoe? You can create wonderful memories in the rivers or lakes if you have a great canoe. However, they come in different materials and designs. You have the freedom to choose between a regular and square stern canoe. How you wish to use your canoe should inform your choice.
Recreational canoes are small but need enough storage capacity for your supplies. If you need the canoe for fishing, you’ll probably need to attach a motor at the back – it helps to ease your hands for easier fishing. However, you need to know the situations that need a square stern canoe and the benefits of having one.
What is a Square Stern Canoe?
A canoe is a small and lightweight water vessel that people use for various water activities. A typical canoe has pointed ends and an open top. The hull shape may differ depending on the type of water intended to carry the canoe.
A square stern or flat back canoe has one pointed end and a flat back. The flat stern allows you to attach a motor. Instead of a manual paddle, you can use the motor when undertaking water-based activities.
Many people use canoes as fishing boats. They are a great house since they are affordable, lightweight, and readily available.
Benefits of a Square Stern Canoe
The greatest benefit of a square stern canoe is attaching a trolling motor or an outboard motor on the flat back. The motor takes you to your favorite fishing spot or camping site faster. Also, you get there energized since you didn’t burn calories paddling. You can get lightweight trolling motors to keep the canoe’s weight in check.
You can find square back canoes in all designs and sizes. Thus, you can have them for any water-based activities. You can use smaller models for short trips and a few fun activities. You can get larger canoes with larger load capacity if you need extensive recreational activities.
Stability is a feature you should never ignore. If you’re a beginner, go for square stern canoes. They offer more stability than canoes with pointed sterns. Also, they’re most preferred for fishing due to the increased stability since you can stand on waters and fish or hunt ducks.
Types of Canoes
There are several types of canoes. However, there are two major categories where all the other types fall. Solo canoes can only fit one person. Solo canoes are shorter than tandem canoes. On the other hand, a tandem canoe has a row seat and a stern seat.
The seat position in the solo canoe is at the middle or slightly back—the paddler alternates paddling between right and left to maintain a straight track. If you need to take a turn, you paddle one side to turn in the opposite direction. Interestingly, you can paddle either of the canoes while sitting or kneeling.
From the two main categories, you can get several types of canes as below:
Expedition/Touring Canoes
These canoes are made for long-distance water travel. They are relatively larger than other canoes to have a space to carry your supplies. However, they’re slimmer than standard canoes. Their semi-arched hull ensures they have enough stability. Their slim and long shape allows easier tracking and resistance to the wind– It allows for effortless travel.
Their extended length gives room for your picnic supplies, camping gear, and a pet. They have a large weight capacity and sit lower in water. However, it takes longer to turn since they are long.
Recreational Canoes
These canoes are best for flatwater paddling. They’re shorter than touring canoes, making them easier to maneuver. They are wider than most canoes.
A recreational canoe can fit a small family. However, you can find smaller canoes with two seats. Most designs have space for two paddlers and an additional two people.
Whitewater Canoes
Advanced paddlers use canoes to sail in fast-moving rivers. Thus, they need a canoe that can withstand the fast-moving waters. The canoes are 8-12 feet long with a high rocker that allows the canoe to turn faster. Also, the flotation panels help to keep the canoe afloat.
River Canoes
River canoes are a hybrid of whitewater and expedition canoes. They have different hull designs but a high rocker that ensures stability and maneuverability. Also, the keel is absent to allow a faster and easier turning.
Inflatable Canoes
These are great canoes for beginners and intermediate paddlers. They sail well on lakes, calm seas, and slow-moving rivers. They’re easily swayed away by the wind; hence, they’re suitable for short trips. Although they are affordable, they’re unsuitable for most water-based activities.
Folding Canoes
Folding canoes are a more convenient option than inflatable canoes. They are made of a foldable but rigid shell. They have an interlocking frame that holds together the canoe shell. You can use some foldable canoes on whitewater.
Racing Canoes
Racing canes fall under specialist canoes. They’re designed for racing paddlers with excellent paddling skills. Also, they’re streamlined and thus lack a square stern. They’re narrow and sit low in the water to increase stability. Also, their pointed bow helps to pierce through the water, making them move fast.
Fishing Canoes
Fishing canoes are the other type of specialist canoes. Most of them have a square stern to attach an outboard motor. They have a flat and wide hull that increases stability. You can use recreational and expedition canoes for fishing, but these have specific features making them perfect for fishing. Also, they have a large weight capacity to carry your fishing and camping gear.
Qualities of a Great Canoe
Stability
Always go for a stable canoe when you need one. Water bodies are unpredictable, and the weather could get unfavorable. Thus, it’d help if you had a stable canoe that could get you out of the water in an emergency.
Hull Shape
The hull shape will depend on the use of your canoe. Rounded hulls and arched hulls are best when you need your canoe to move with speed. However, arched canoes are less stable and suitable for experienced paddlers.
Flat hulls are the best option due to their excellent stability. However, they’re slower and only suitable for recreational activities. Also, beginners should stick to flat-hulled canoes.
V-shaped hulls are another great choice for beginners. They have a raised center line that helps to keep the canoe on a straight track.
Hull Material
Choose a canoe with durable material. However, you should consider the cost, performance, and weight of a canoe. For instance, aluminum is the most popular material despite its durability. It’s expensive and makes the canoe heavy. Also, it reduces its performance.
Molded plastic is the popular option for hull material. You can get any quality depending on the plastic you choose. Also, they are cost-effective and lightweight.
Fiberglass is another material you can get. They are lightweight but fragile. Thus, they are unsuitable for several uses. The last option is graphite. It’s the lightest material you’ll find for a canoe. However, it’s the most expensive material. They make specialist canoes for experienced paddlers.
Occupancy
The occupancy is essential depending on the use of a canoe. Solo capes are great if you love paddling solo. But if you need to paddle with others, you will choose the occupancy depending on the number of people.
Conclusion: When Should You Choose a Square Stern Canoe?
Square stern canoes are the perfect option since they have increased stability. Also, you can attach an outboard motor or a trolling motor. The flat back allows you to stop on water and do some fishing or duck hunting. Lastly, square stern canoes come in all designs and shapes, allowing you to choose a perfect canoe for your activities. Always choose a square stern canoe if you’re a beginner or need one for fishing and duck hunting.
